Say Not “What If” by Andrew Friedman

A dying man craves the time he has lost. Written as a long rhyming poem, Say Not “What If” recounts his journey and the consequences of the choices he makes in a desperate desire to stay alive. Exceptionally easy to read and understand, many readers have praised the power and thought provoking nature of this unique story. What would you do for more time?

“This was a lyrical masterpiece! Very deep with an important life lesson woven in. Excellent from start to finish, and highly recommended by me.”

“This literary work is something incredibly special. I highly recommend this book, and hope that its life lessons will stay with us for the rest of our journey.”

“The paradox of a man’s dying despair with the lyrical rhyming was intoxicating. Easy to read, and emotionally provocative, Mr. Friedman has written a truly unique short story.”

“This poetic short story is so gripping and compelling that you won’t stop reading. And more than reading, I was almost singing along with the story, it was so beautifully written.”

“Say Not “What If” is a beautifully written piece of literature with a dark heart at its core. The stark contrast between the lovely poetry and all the things that made this ugly was severe but it was also what made the story . . . beautiful in an uncanny way.”

“I found myself truly submerged in the story. I read it in one afternoon and it left me with lots to think about, which, really, is what books are all about.”

What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
Say Not “What If” was written while I was caring for my late parents. That experience convinced me that time is our most important possession, and that it is best spent with family members and friends. Be a materialist minimalist. Spend time with and tend to other people, not possessions.

How Did You Come up With Your Characters?
The protagonist represents everyone who wrongly values material possessions more than people or time. He also represents everyone who thinks their status should prevent them from ever being held accountable for their actions. Such people are unfortunately quite common. The other characters remind and punish the protagonist for his choices and actions. People must be held accountable for their actions. But vengeance must never define or determine accountability or punishment. Vengeance is extremism, which is also unfortunately quite common.

Book Sample
Say not “what if” or wonder why
About all the things you did not try.
Say not “what if” or be heard to sigh
With a trembling voice and a tear in your eye
“Why did I let time go by?”

“Wait for tomorrow!” was my cry.
There is no rush; that is no lie.
It’s not as if we must do or die.
About time I was simply blasé,
My attitude always: Come what may.
Perhaps later, but not today,
I must work; I cannot play
And there will always be another day.
I cannot spend any time with you,
Not with so much work to do.

But when my work is finally done
Then the two of us will be as one.
Always moving and on the run,
We’ll throw ourselves into fun
And play like children in the sun.
We’ll go here, there, and everywhere.
If I am with you, I will not care.
You must believe me, I have not lied,
That we will travel far and wide
And be together, side by side.
We’ll travel on an endless jaunt
From place to place, and haunt to haunt.